Encryption

Encryption is a fundamental cybersecurity practice that protects data by converting it from a readable format (plaintext) into an encoded format (ciphertext). This transformation is done using algorithms and cryptographic keys, making the data unreadable to anyone who does not have the proper decryption key. By securing information in transit (such as emails, financial transactions, or website traffic) and at rest (like files on a disk or backups in the cloud), encryption ensures confidentiality and prevents unauthorized access, theft, or tampering. It is a cornerstone of digital trust, widely used in online banking, secure communications, and data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.

How it works

Encryption algorithms use keys to scramble data. Two main types exist:

• Symmetric encryption → the same key is used for both encryption and decryption (e.g., AES).
• Asymmetric encryption → uses a pair of keys: a public key to encrypt and a private key to decrypt (e.g., RSA).
  Encryption is often combined with hashing and digital signatures to provide confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity.

Why it matters

Encryption protects sensitive information such as personal data, financial transactions, and communications from unauthorized access. Without encryption, data sent over networks or stored on devices can be easily intercepted, read, or stolen.

Examples

• HTTPS websites use TLS encryption to secure web traffic.
• Encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp use end-to-end encryption.
• Disk encryption tools such as BitLocker or FileVault protect files if a laptop is stolen.